Sunday, July 12, 2009

GiroDonne Conclusion, Stage 9

On the last stage to Grumo Nevano today Claudia Häusler (Cervelo Test Team) retained the pink jersey to win the 2009 GiroDonne, the women’s equivalent of the Giro d’Italia. Hausler finished in the peloton while her teammate Kirsten Wild out sprinted Giorgia Bronzini (Safi Pasta Zara) and Diana Ziliute (Safi Pasta Zara) for the stage victory.

“It was a victory for the entire team,” said Claudia Häusler. “We all worked very hard for the victory and we are all very happy that we won the Giro. After the third place last year, it was amazing to be on the top of the podium – it was an unbelievable feeling. The best part was that had so much fun as a team the entire 10 days. That was surely a contributor to our victory.”

Cervelo Test Team Sports Director Manel Lacambra said, “These were perfect days in Italy; we won the Giro, we had several stage victories, and we also won the maglia ciclamino and the team classification.”

Emma Mackie's Lotto-Belisol teammate, Elizabeth Armitstead, held on to the white jersey for best young rider and finished 15th in GC. Emma finished 51st in the GC. Congratulations!